A Guide to OTC (Over the Counter) Pyrotechnic Composition

[AustralianPyromaniac]

A NEW EDITION OF THIS DOCUMENT IS AVAILABLE. THIS VERSION SHOULD NOT BE USED. THE SECOND EDITION IS AVAILABLE THROUGH THE LINKS BELOW.

https://www.amateurp...cs-2nd-edition/

PYROBIN LINK FOR NON MEMBERS:

http://pyrobin.com/f...PUBLISHING).pdf

 

Over the last few months, I've been putting together a document which covers in pretty extensive detail the answer to a question I get a lot. How do you go about doing pyrotechnics with only OTC chemicals?

 

My personal pyro interest (Aside from the more common things) is based mainly in the production of complex pyrotechnic devices with chemicals purchased and synthesized from only 'over the counter' sources such as agriculture suppliers, supermarkets and hardware stores. Since there isn't any definitive guide on how to do this, over time, to some extent, I've written my own. Below is attached this document.

 

It details the compositions I use and the sourcing/ synthesis I use to acquire each of the chemicals listed in the compositions on the first few pages.

 

Although I certainly don't expect anyone to read the whole thing some specific sections may be useful to those who have similar limiting factors to myself (mainly lack of suppliers) or who simply prefer to take a more hands-on approach to produce the chemicals we often take for granted.

 

It gets a bit chemistry based in sections but anyone with enough time should be able to get around it ok. Certainly, it's not too complex.

 

To help those looking for a specific piece of information, some notable articles contained include: Sourcing/ Finding Potassium Nitrate (KNO₃), Sourcing/ Finding Lump Charcoal for Black Powder, Sourcing/ Finding Potassium Chloride (KCl), Sourcing/ Finding PVC powder (For Injection Moulding), Preparation/ Synthesis of Barium Chlorate (Ba(ClO₃)₂) via electrolysis, and Preparation/ Synthesis of Copper Oxychloride (Cu₂(OH)₃Cl)

 

In the next few months, I may post an updated version of this guide as I write more of it, but for now, I think it's complete enough to be of use. Further, when NYE rolls around I may get some video of all the compositions together firing in a series of mines and upload that so that each compositions performance can be seen.

 

 

 

Regards, AP

Edited August 20, 2021 by Mumbles

[Sulphurstan]

Ap.

This is a nice work. It is important to pass the knowledge to each other, but to compile it in a book, or PDF takes a lot of time. I plan to do it one day, once retired😶!

[Fuzzpluskc]

Thank you so much for your work. As someone who is still relatively new to this hobby, much of this is invaluable.

[Piccaso]

Thank you. I have saved this to my notes.

[dlking59]

Thank you. I have saved this and will print it for future reference

[FlipperFuego]

This is great, thanks you so much!! http://freeimagehost.info/i/PmCPCUfh85.png

[CityPigeonPyro]

Did read it all. Some chemicals are just easier to purchase already made, but I understand that in some places it is not available. Also learned that you can use egg shells as a chemical. Not going to spoil it. Read it and find out if you are wondering.

[Igor]

Thank you very much its was very useful

[AustralianPyromaniac]

Glad to hear all the positive feedback about this guide! A second updated and expanded version of this guide which I am writing now will be published some time this year. It contains optimised OTC formulas which are the result of further testing I have done among many other updates and is now almost double the length of this first guide.

 

 

Regards, AP

Edited August 20, 2019 by AustralianPyromaniac

[CityPigeonPyro]

I am comprising a list of suppliers that I can hopefully be selling my own chemicals and supplies from soon.

[FlareLauncher]

(puts on tinfoil hat) Saved this for the future - just in case....

[Pyrofarmer]

Is their any reason I cannot view the above file.

[AustralianPyromaniac]

Is their any reason I cannot view the above file.

You can't open files till you've made at least one post. Now you've made a post you should be fine to view it.

 

Regards, AP

[artemdevo]

Just posting so I can download this haha.

[memo]

lots of good info, thanks. waiting for series 2

 

memo

[MikelLikesIt]

I’m betting that this will become more valuable as time goes on.

[ItsAntYo1]

New to the site and looking for info

[FlipperFuego]

Very helpful, thanks everyone http://freeimagehost.info/i/sL6YbzgRde.png

[justme]

sign me up

[Igor]

Thank you very much for that hard work .. can you please advice me slow high temperature pyrogens for electric igniters also OTC chemical

[Jester]

New member, posting to view the file. Thanks for compiling the info AP.

[rykermcdermott]

Oh wow, I can tell a lot of work and expertise went into this. Thank you.

 

The internet is amazing, but it's nice having all this information organized into one single source.

[g4s]

Thanks AP for your efforts.

A Kiwi new to pyrotechnics here.

I got to fireworks after making charcoal for my smoker. Couldn't bear the thought of buying it from overseas. That lead me to fireworking. Currently I have an experimental batch of charcoaled pinus radiata needles running in the home made ball mill. Yay for tired tread mills - bearings shafts, speed control, strong permanent magnet DC motor etc. More importantly they were free!

Like yrself, I like to do/make/improvise as much as I can.

 

We seem to take a dim and discouraging view to pyrotechnics here in godzone, so all leads for chems is appreciated.

[Bourbon]

This isn't just a good resource, it's a fantastic read.

 

Thank you for sharing your hard work!!

[Stoo]

Hi there from a new Aus member, envious of all you folks who live in a place where this art is still supported or at least allowed, I'm totally hooked though